Ultrasonic operation system

ABSTRACT

An ultrasonic operation system comprises: a transmission cable that is connected detachably, through a connector, to a connector receptacle in a main apparatus unit; plural types of transducers provided with a connector receptacle each capable of detachably connecting the connector of the transmission cable, an identification element for outputting its own identification signal, and a ultrasonic vibrator, correspondingly; and a main apparatus unit for receiving the identification signals in an identification circuit, automatically controlling drive signals that a control circuit causes a drive signal generator unit to generate, and automatically displaying the identified instrument on a control-display unit.

[0001] This application claims benefit of Japanese Application No.2000-229296 filed in Japan on Jul. 28, 2000, Japanese Application No.2001-177371 filed in Japan on Jun. 12, 2001, and Japanese ApplicationNo. 2001-183790 filed in Japan on Jun. 18, 2001, the contents of whichare incorporated by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to an ultrasonic surgical operation systemfor generating ultrasonic vibrations and performing treatments on livingtissue.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Ultrasonic operation systems are being developed, practicallyimplemented, and widely used as surgical operating apparatuses replacingthe electric scalpel. These systems can perform such treatments ascoagulation, incision, and puncture, using ultrasonic vibrations orother energy.

[0006] An example of such a surgical operation apparatus that usesultrasonic is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.H9-38098. This is an operation apparatus wherewith a hand piece havingan ultrasonic vibrator incorporated therein is attached to the mainapparatus unit, ultrasonic vibrations are generated in the ultrasonicvibrator by driving signals output from that main apparatus unit, thosegenerated ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to an operating memberat the tip end of the hand piece, that operating member is pressedagainst the treatment object site, and thereby living tissue issubjected to an operating procedure.

[0007] With an ultrasonic operation system such as this, as the range ofapplications has broadened, there are now many types of hand pieces thatcan be used. Thereupon, in order to meet the demand to be able to usevarious hand pieces in one surgical operation, configurations are beingproposed wherewith multiple hand pieces are connected to the mainapparatus unit.

[0008] When such multiple types of hand pieces are used, it has beennecessary to perform a task to change the way connectors provided at theends of cords extending from the hand pieces are connected to the mainapparatus unit.

[0009] An expansion unit has also been proposed, with a view to caseswhere a plurality of hand pieces is used during one surgical operation,wherewith multiple hand pieces are attached to the main apparatus unitso that use can be made thereof, switching from one hand piece toanother.

[0010] An example of this kind of thing is disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2000-271135, wherein art is described forproviding three connector ports, so that, by manipulating a selectorswitch provided on a front panel of an expansion unit, the connectorport to be used can be selected, that is, a hand piece connected to agiven connector port can be selected. In that same publication, atechnology is described wherewith provision is made so that a handswitch for turning the output on and off can be attached to a handpiece, so that, when the hand switch is thrown, the hand piece to whichthat thrown hand switch is attached is selected.

[0011] However, when multiple hand pieces are used, there will bemultiple cables extending from the hand pieces in the operating room,whereupon the operating room will possibly become congested.

[0012] With the technology described in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2000-271135 described above, moreover, in order to selecta hand piece for use, the switch on the front panel must be manipulated,but that switch is in a non-sterile area, wherefore a surgical operatoractually performing the operation cannot manipulate it, but will have toask a nurse or other assistant to manipulate it, which is confusing.

[0013] Furthermore, the surgical operator will then have to confirm theresults of the switch made with the expansion unit by looking at thepanel display on the main apparatus unit, but there will be cases wherethe surgical operator will be in a position from which it is difficultto look at that panel display, whereupon that surgical operator willhave to change positions or have an assistant make the confirmation asto which port has actually been selected, which is confusing.

[0014] There is also a technology, on the other hand, wherewith a freelydetachable connector is provided at the hand piece, the cord is leftconnected at the main apparatus, and the surgical operator is able touse a hand piece that he or she has selected, from among a plurality oftypes, and connected, in the sterile area where the operation is beingperformed. With this technology, however, it is confusing for the nursewho is passing out and taking back instruments to confirm which handpiece the surgical operator has selected and connected to the cord.

[0015] It should be noted here that, in general, the output of a handpiece such as described in the foregoing is controlled by operating afoot switch. There are cases, however, where, depending on the type ofoperating instrument used, it is better to use a hand switch than a footswitch.

[0016] Various types of such hand switches have been proposed. Known tothe technology are, for example, a hand switch that is formed integrallyon the hand piece, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,227 andJapanese Patent Publication No. H6-42893, and a hand switch configuredso that it can be freely attached to and detached from the hand piece,as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,702, U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,143, andJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-087276, etc.

[0017] However, with a configuration wherein the hand piece cable andthe hand switch cable are separate, there will be cases where theoperation thereof becomes onerous, as noted below.

[0018] For example, one end of the hand piece cable is connected to someoperating instrument, and the other end is connected to a generator.Also, a hand switch is attached to the operating instrument, and a handswitch generator plug is connected to the generator. The operatinginstrument is then used in such an arrangement as this.

[0019] Subsequently, the operating instrument, with the hand switchstill attached thereto, is detached from one end of the hand piececable, another operating instrument is connected to that one end of thathand piece cable, and that other operating instrument is used bycontrolling it by a foot switch. If, at this time, the hand switch thatis still attached to the original operating instrument is manipulated,there is a possibility that output will be effected from the otheroperating instrument currently being used, and measures will have to betaken to deal with that possibility, which is troublesome and leads tosurgical operating times becoming lengthy.

[0020] Furthermore, with a configuration wherein the hand piece cableand the hand switch cable are separate, the number of cables extendingfrom the hand piece will be two, making the operating room morecongested.

[0021] In Japanese Patent No. 2608692, moreover, the technology isdescribed wherewith one hand switch cable extends from a hand piecesocket provided in one end of the hand piece cable, a hand switch isprovided integrally at the end of that hand piece cable, and that handswitch can be attached to and detached from the hand piece.

[0022] With the technology described in the U.S. Pat. No. 2,608,692,however, the hand switch and the hand switch cable are made integralwith the hand piece cable, wherefore it is not possible to select a handswitch of optimal shape according to the operating instrument that is tobe attached, the operability of the operating instrument itself may becaused to deteriorate, and there may be cases where that operatinginstrument cannot be attached. Furthermore, even in the case of anoperating instrument that does not require a hand switch, because thehand switch is integrated therewith, it has to be attached to the handpiece, and there is a possibility that it will get in the way.

[0023] An ultrasonic operation apparatus in an ultrasonic operationsystem such as described above will generally comprise a hand piecehaving an ultrasonic vibrator incorporated therein, and an ultrasonicvibration transmission member for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations tothe operating member, which hand piece and ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member are configured as separate members. Also, provisionis made so that, to a horn provided in the hand piece for the purpose ofincreasing the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations, a probeconfigured of a separate member can be connected, by screwing it in, forexample, such that it can be detached.

[0024] Cases where a surgical operation is performed using such anultrasonic operation apparatus as this are not limited to those where asingle ultrasonic operation apparatus is used. In surgical operationsperformed with the use of a laparoscope, for example, multipleultrasonic trocar outer cannulas are used which may be of differentthicknesses. In such cases, an ultrasonic probe (needle) that matchesthe trocar outer cannula that is to be inserted through the abdominalwall is selected, and the trocar outer cannula is combined together withthat ultrasonic probe and used. After it has been passed through theabdominal wall, the trocar outer cannula is left in place and only theultrasonic probe with the hand piece attached is removed. When it ispossible for the ultrasonic probe to be mounted on and used with anothertrocar outer cannula that is to be inserted next, it can be used as itis, with the hand piece still attached, but when it is to be used with atrocar outer cannula having a different sized diameter, an ultrasonicprobe that matches that diameter must be attached to the hand piece foruse. This is a troublesome task, and makes it difficult to performoperations quickly.

[0025] Other conceivable means include the preparation of multiple setswherein ultrasonic probes that match a plurality of trocar outercannulas having different sizes of diameters are respectively combinedtherewith. In that case, however, the number of output cables connectedto the hand pieces becomes plural, and, because there will often beother cables such as high-frequency output cables, water delivery tubes,and air delivery tubes and the like, it becomes a chore to handle allthese cables, the different cables will readily become tangled, and thework site will become quite congested.

[0026] Furthermore, because there is ordinarily one connector connectionport in an ultrasonic oscillating output generator apparatus, a numberof tasks must be performed, such as identifying the output cable for thehand piece to be used from a plurality of output cables and connectingthe connector thereof to the connector connection port, changing suchconnections, and verifying the way in which that connection is made,making it quite a chore to find a specific cable among the differenttubes that are in the congested state described above. In particular,because the ultrasonic oscillating output generator apparatus will beinstalled in a position quite removed from the sterilized area where theoperation is being performed, those tasks will often have to bedelegated to an assistant, and, even when those tasks are delegated toan assistant, liaison therewith is troublesome and inefficient.

[0027] Also, ultrasonic probes are usually removed from the hand piecefor storage. Thus, every time one is used, a surgical operator or nurseor the like will have to screw a threaded part provided in the base endof the probe into a threaded part in the horn of the hand piece, using aspecial wrench or other tool, to join the two together.

[0028] If the screwing in is not done with the proper force, however, itis possible that the screw connected part will fail during use, due tovibration, just as ultrasonic vibrations are being generated, or thatheat will be generated until overheating occurs. For such reasons, therehas been an overwhelming tendency to make the screw connection too tightwith a wrench. When that screw connection is made too tight, apossibility arises that the screw connection will subsequently fail, or,even if it does not fail, that the ability thereof to transmitvibrations will deteriorate.

[0029] Thereupon, special tools have been proposed for maintaining theproper screw tightening force, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,155,but even when such a tool is used, the problems of the time and troublerequired to manage all this remain.

[0030] Furthermore, because this is a configuration wherein theultrasonic probe is attached to the hand piece by a screw-in coupling,there will be cases where, due to the force used when doing the screwingin, the position of the ultrasonic probe about the axis, relative to thehand piece, will become altered. Thus, with a configuration whereinattachment is effected by screwing in, it has been very difficult toalways attach the ultrasonic probe to the hand piece such that the twoare lined up in a certain way.

[0031] When the shape of the operating member of the ultrasonic probe isnot equal around the axis, in cases where, as with an ultrasonic trocar,for example, the blade tip is formed so as to be slightly flat in orderto make the puncture so as to part the tissue along the grain thereof,it is often necessary to rotate the hand piece being held so as tochange the way the operating member of the ultrasonic probe is oriented.For that reason, it is virtually impossible to continually hold the handpiece comfortably in the same position in a similar attitude. In otherwords, in view of the necessity to change the way the hand piece isheld, while verifying the orientation of the operating member of theultrasonic probe for each instrument, there have been cases where it wasvery difficult to hold and use the hand piece in a position where it waseasy to work.

[0032] Meanwhile, in order to detect the utilization limit of anultrasonic operation apparatus, a technology is being developedwherewith information specific to a hand piece is monitored at theultrasonic oscillating output generator apparatus that supplies theelectric drive power to that hand piece, the number of times the handpiece is used and the condition of such use are recorded, and thatrecord is used to determine when the utilization limit has been reached.

[0033] It is very difficult, with such technology for monitoringinformation specific to a hand piece, to monitor the amount of use andthe remaining life and so forth of a probe that is a separate memberfrom that hand piece, but it is a fact that the durability performanceof the probe is often lower than the durability performance of the handpiece. That being so, even when an effort is made to replace only theprobe, it has not been possible to accurately determine when to makethat replacement and thus deal with the problem.

[0034] Therefore, with the technology described in the foregoing, it hasnot been possible to configure an ultrasonic surgical operation systemof sufficiently good operability, and it is safe to say that there isroom for further improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0035] An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonicsurgical operation system exhibiting good operability.

[0036] The present invention, simply described, is an ultrasonicoperation system comprising: a drive signal generator unit comprising: adrive signal oscillator circuit for generating drive signals for drivingan ultrasonic vibrator; and a first connector receptacle for outputtingdrive signals generated by that drive signal oscillator circuit; atransmission cable comprising: first connector means that are fortransmitting the drive signals and that detachably connect to the firstconnector receptacle; and second connector means for outputtingtransmitted drive signals; a first hand piece comprising: a secondconnector receptacle that detachably connects to the second connectormeans; a first ultrasonic vibrator that vibrates ultrasonically inresponse to the drive signals input from that second connectorreceptacle; and a first probe for transmitting the ultrasonic vibrationsgenerated by the first ultrasonic vibrator to the subject body; and asecond hand piece comprising: a third connector receptacle thatdetachably connects to the second connector means; a second ultrasonicvibrator that vibrates ultrasonically in response to the drive signalsinput from that third connector receptacle; and a second probe, of ashape different from that of the first probe, for transmitting theultrasonic vibrations generated by the second ultrasonic vibrator to thesubject body.

[0037] These object(s) and advantages of the present invention willbecome further apparent from the following detailed explanation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038]FIG. 1 is a diagram that uses blocks to represent parts of theconfiguration of an ultrasonic operation system in a first embodimentaspect of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 2 is a flowchart representing the flow of technology used inthe ultrasonic operation system of the first embodiment aspect;

[0040]FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example configuration of another handpiece in the ultrasonic operation system of the first embodiment aspect;

[0041]FIG. 4 is a diagram of combination examples in an ultrasonicoperation system in a second embodiment aspect of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 5 is a diagonal view of the configuration of a hand piece andhand switch unit in an ultrasonic operation system in a third embodimentaspect of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 6 is a diagram that uses blocks to mainly represent parts ofthe electrical configuration of an ultrasonic operation system in thethird embodiment aspect of the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 7 is a diagonal view of the configuration of a hand piece andhand switch unit in an ultrasonic operation system in a fourthembodiment aspect of the present invention;

[0045]FIG. 8 is a front elevation of a hand piece socket and hand switchinput plug in a fifth embodiment aspect of the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 9 is a diagonal view of the configuration of a hand piece anda hand switch unit in an ultrasonic operation system in a sixthembodiment aspect of the present invention;

[0047]FIG. 10 is an exploded diagonal view of the configuration of ahand piece and a hand switch unit in an ultrasonic operation system in aseventh embodiment aspect of the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 11 is a diagonal view of the configuration of the ultrasonicoperation system in the seventh embodiment aspect;

[0049]FIG. 12 is a diagram that uses blocks to represent parts ofprimarily the electrical configuration of the ultrasonic operationsystem in the seventh embodiment aspect;

[0050]FIG. 13 is a diagram of combination examples in the ultrasonicoperation system in the seventh embodiment aspect;

[0051]FIG. 14 is a diagram that shows how connections are made in anultrasonic operation system in an eighth embodiment aspect of thepresent invention;

[0052]FIG. 15 is a diagram that shows the disassembled ultrasonicoperation system in the eighth embodiment aspect;

[0053]FIG. 16 is a simplified diagram of the configuration of a handpiece in the ultrasonic operation system in the eighth embodimentaspect;

[0054]FIG. 17A is a diagram of a first configuration example wherein ahorn and an ultrasonic vibration transmission member are fixedly coupledand made integral in the ultrasonic operation system in the eighthembodiment aspect;

[0055]FIG. 17B is a diagram of a second configuration example wherein ahorn and an ultrasonic vibration transmission member are fixedly coupledand made integral in the ultrasonic operation system in the eighthembodiment aspect;

[0056]FIG. 17C is a diagram of a third configuration example wherein ahorn and an ultrasonic vibration transmission member are fixedly coupledand made integral in the ultrasonic operation system in the eighthembodiment aspect;

[0057]FIG. 17D is a diagram of a fourth configuration example wherein ahorn and an ultrasonic vibration transmission member are fixedly coupledand made integral in the ultrasonic operation system in the eighthembodiment aspect;

[0058]FIG. 18 is a side elevation that represents, partially incross-section, a structure for detachably connecting an outer cannulaand a hand piece in the ultrasonic operation system of the eighthembodiment aspect;

[0059]FIG. 19 is a diagram that shows how it is possible to connect acommon cable to a plurality of hand pieces in the ultrasonic operationsystem in the eighth embodiment aspect;

[0060]FIG. 20 is a diagram that shows how it is possible to connect acommon cable to a plurality of hand pieces connected to a plurality ofoperating instruments in the ultrasonic operation system in the eighthembodiment aspect;

[0061]FIG. 21 is a diagram representing examples where identificationmeans are provided in a plurality of hand pieces and in the outercannulas corresponding thereto in the ultrasonic operation system in theeighth embodiment aspect;

[0062]FIG. 22 is a side elevation that shows how a cable connector isconnected to a hand piece in an ultrasonic operation system in a ninthembodiment aspect of the present invention;

[0063]FIG. 23 is a side elevation that represents, partially incross-section, a connection structure for a hand piece and a cableconnector in the ultrasonic operation system in the ninth embodimentaspect, in its disassembled condition;

[0064]FIG. 24A is an end surface view that represents the structure ofan electrical connecting unit for a hand piece in the ultrasonicoperation system in the ninth embodiment aspect; and

[0065]FIG. 24B is an end surface view that represents the structure of acable connector in the ultrasonic operation system in the ninthembodiment aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] Embodiment aspects of the present invention are now describedwith reference to the drawings.

[0067]FIG. 1 to 3 represent a first embodiment aspect of the presentinvention. FIG. 1 is a diagram that uses blocks to represent parts ofthe configuration of an ultrasonic operation system, FIG. 2 is aflowchart representing the flow of technology used in the ultrasonicoperation system shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exampleconfiguration of another hand piece.

[0068] This ultrasonic operation system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, isconfigured such that a hand piece 9 and a main apparatus unit 2 to whicha foot switch 3 is connected are detachably connected through atransmission cable 10.

[0069] In this main apparatus unit 2, on the front side thereof, isdeployed a control-display unit 4 comprising control switches for makingcontrol inputs and a display panel constituting information displaymeans for displaying the operating conditions of this ultrasonicoperation system 1. In the outer cover thereof is provided a connectorreceptacle (first connector receptacle) 8 for connecting the hand piece9 through the transmission cable 10. Provided internally therein are adrive signal generator unit 5 for generating drive signals for drivingan ultrasonic vibrator in the hand piece 9, an identification oridentifying circuit 6 that constitutes a part of control means foridentifying the type of a connected hand piece 9 by detecting anidentification element provided in the hand piece 9, and a controlcircuit 7 that constitutes a part of control means for receiving inputsfrom the foot switch 3 and effecting control so that the drive signalgenerator unit 5 is made to generate drive signals, controlling thosedrive signals on the basis of the identification results of theidentification circuit 6 at that time, and also controlling the othercircuits in this main apparatus unit 2.

[0070] In the connector receptacle 8 of the main apparatus unit 2 areprovided a signal terminal 8 a that constitutes the output terminal(first drive signal output terminal) for drive signals generated fromthe drive signal generator unit 5, and a signal terminal 8 b thatconstitutes the input terminal (second identification signal inputterminal) for control signals going to the identification circuit 6.

[0071] Provision is made so that, to such a connector receptacle 8, afirst connector (first connector means) 13 provided at one end of thetransmission cable 10 is detachably connected. In that first connector13, in turn, are provided a signal terminal 13 a that constitutes afirst drive signal input terminal connected to the signal terminal 8 a,and a signal terminal 13 b that constitutes a second identificationsignal output terminal connected to the signal terminal 8 b.

[0072] The transmission cable 10 is configured so as to comprise atleast a drive signal line 11 that is connected to the signal terminal 13a and constitutes a drive signal transmission cable for transmittingdrive signals generated from the drive signal generator unit 5, and anidentification signal line 12 that is connected to the signal terminal13 b and constitutes an identification signal transmission cable fortransmitting identification signals (identification signals) from theidentification element to the identification circuit 6.

[0073] At the other end of this transmission cable 10 is provided asecond connector (second connector means) 14 for detachably connectingto the transducer (described subsequently) of the hand piece 9. In thatsecond connector 14, in turn, are provided a signal terminal 14 a thatconstitutes a second drive signal output terminal connected to the drivesignal line 11, and a signal terminal 14 b that constitutes a firstidentification signal input terminal connected to the identificationsignal line 12.

[0074] The hand piece 9 basically comprises a transducer having aninternal ultrasonic vibrator. More precisely, there are twoclassifications thereof, depending on whether an operating instrumentcomprising an ultrasonic vibration transmission unit for transmittingultrasonic vibrations to the transducer is connected separately, or anultrasonic vibration transmission unit for transmitting ultrasonicvibrations is provided integrally in that transducer.

[0075] Firstly, the transducer is basically configured so as to have aconnector receptacle comprising multiple signal terminals connected tothe signal terminals 14 a and 14 b, capable of connecting commonly tothe second connector 14 irrespective of what type that transducer is, anultrasonic vibrator for receiving the drive signals and generatingultrasonic vibrations, and an identification element for generatingidentification information (ID information) indicating which type thattransducer is.

[0076] More specifically, a first transducer 15 that constitutestransducer means is configured so as to comprise a signal terminal 25 athat constitutes a second drive signal input terminal connected to thesignal terminal 14 a, and a signal terminal 25 b that constitutes afirst identification signal output terminal connected to the signalterminal 14 b, and so as to have a connector receptacle (secondconnector receptacle) 25 capable of being detachably connected to thesecond connector 14, an ultrasonic vibrator 26 for receiving the drivesignals and generating ultrasonic vibrations, and an identificationelement 27 that constitutes identification signal generator means forgenerating identification information indicating the type of the firsttransducer 15.

[0077] To the first transducer 15, as diagrammed, it is possible todetachably and selectively connect a scissors type operating instrument16 comprising an ultrasonic vibration transmission unit 16 a (probe),and a hook type operating instrument 17 comprising an ultrasonicvibration transmission unit 17 a (probe). By combining the firsttransducer 15 and the scissors type operating instrument 16, a scissorstype hand piece is configured. And by combining the first transducer 15and the hook type operating instrument 17, a hook type hand piece isconfigured.

[0078] A second transducer 18 that comprises transducer means isconfigured similarly so as to have a connector receptacle (secondconnector receptacle) 28 capable of being detachably connected to thesecond connector 14, comprising a signal terminal 28 a that constitutesa second drive signal input terminal connected to the signal terminal 14a and a signal terminal 28 b that constitutes a first identificationsignal output terminal connected to the signal terminal 14 b, anultrasonic vibrator 29 for receiving the drive signals and generatingultrasonic vibration, and an identification element 30 that constitutesidentification signal generator means for generating identificationinformation indicating the type of the second transducer 18.

[0079] To that second transducer 18 it is possible to detachably andselectively connect an inline scissors type operating instrument 19comprising an ultrasonic vibration transmission unit 19 a (probe), and aspatula type operating instrument 20 comprising an ultrasonic vibrationtransmission unit 20 a (probe). By combining the second transducer 18and the inline scissors type operating instrument 19, an inline scissorstype hand piece is configured. By combining the second transducer 18 andthe spatula type operating instrument 20, a spatula type hand piece isconfigured.

[0080] Moreover, a third transducer 21 is configured so as to comprise asignal terminal 31 a that constitutes a third drive signal inputterminal connected to the signal terminal 14 a and a signal terminal 31b that comprises a second identification signal output terminalconnected to the signal terminal 14 b, and so as to integrally have aconnector receptacle (third connector receptacle) 31 capable of beingdetachably connected to the second connector 14, an ultrasonic vibrator32 for receiving the drive signals and generating ultrasonic vibrations,an identification element 33 that constitutes identification signalgenerator means for generating identification information indicating thetype of the third transducer 21, and a large-diameter probe 34 that isan ultrasonic vibration transmission unit for transmitting ultrasonicvibrations generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 32.

[0081] This third transducer 21 is such that, by passing thelarge-diameter probe 34 as an inner needle in the trocar 22 that is alarge-diameter outer cannula, a large-diameter trocar-type hand piece isconfigured.

[0082] Also, a fourth transducer 23 is configured so as to comprise asignal terminal 35 a that constitutes a third drive signal inputterminal connected to the signal terminal 14 a and a signal terminal 35b that comprises a second identification signal output terminalconnected to the signal terminal 14 b, and so as to integrally have aconnector receptacle (third connector receptacle) 35 capable of beingdetachably connected to the second connector 14, an ultrasonic vibrator36 for receiving the drive signals and generating ultrasonic vibrations,an identification element 37 that constitutes identification signalgenerator means for generating identification information indicating thetype of the fourth transducer 23, and a narrow-diameter probe 38 that isan ultrasonic vibration transmission unit for transmitting ultrasonicvibrations generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 36.

[0083] This fourth transducer 23 is such that, by passing thenarrow-diameter probe 38 as an inner needle in the trocar 24 that is anarrow-diameter outer cannula, a narrow-diameter trocar-type hand pieceis configured.

[0084] Next, the flow of a surgical operation wherein an ultrasonicoperation system such as described in the forgoing is used is describedwith reference to FIG. 2.

[0085] When an operation wherein this ultrasonic operation system is tobe used is started, first, the connector 13 of the transmission cable 10is connected to the connector receptacle 8 of the main apparatus unit 2(step S1). This connecting task, because it is performed in anon-sterile area, will be performed by a nurse or the like assisting thesurgical operator.

[0086] Next, in an endoscopic operation, because it is necessary toinsert the trocar and secure a port through which to introduce operatinginstruments inside the body, first, the transducer 23 used incombination with the narrow-diameter trocar 24, for example, isconnected to the connector 14 of the transmission cable 10 (step S2).This connecting task, because it is performed in the sterile area, canbe performed by the surgical operator himself or herself.

[0087] By this connection, identification information will be outputfrom the identification element 37 inside that transducer 23, and inputvia the identification signal line 12 of the transmission cable 10 tothe identification circuit 6. Thus the identification circuit 6 willdetermine which piece of equipment is connected and output the resultsof that identification to the control circuit 7 (step S3).

[0088] The control circuit 7, receiving those identification results,sets various parameters so that the drive signal generated from thedrive signal generator unit 5 will be matched to the determinedequipment. At that time, the control circuit 7 will also cause the factthat the transducer 23 is being used in a narrow-diameter trocar typehand piece to be displayed on the control-display unit 4 (step S4).

[0089] Thereafter, when the surgical operator manipulates the footswitch 3, a drive signal will be generated from the drive signalgenerator unit 5, the ultrasonic vibrator 36 will be driven, and theultrasonic trocar operation will be started (step S5).

[0090] Once the insertion of the trocar 24 is finished, the transducer23 is removed from the connector 14 of the transmission cable 10 (stepS6).

[0091] Thereafter, according to whether or not another transducer is tobe used, the processing will branch (step S7).

[0092] That is, when another transducer is to be used, as, for example,when the scissors type hand piece formed by combining the firsttransducer 15 and the scissors type operating instrument 16 is to beused, processes like those described above in steps S2 to S5 areperformed for that first transducer 15.

[0093] At that time, due to the process of step S3, it will bedetermined that the connected instrument is the first transducer 15, andparameters suitable to that first transducer 15 will be automaticallyset, wherefore there is no need to require the nurse or the likeassisting the surgical operator to perform any separate manipulation ofthe main apparatus unit 2, and it will be possible with great simplicityto change to and use another transducer. Meanwhile, because the type oftransducer changed to and the like will be displayed on thecontrol-display unit 4, the nurse or other assistant will be able toreadily ascertain that information.

[0094] Thus, when the ultrasonic scissors operation by that scissorstype hand piece is finished, that first transducer 15 will be removedfrom the connector 14 of the transmission cable 10 in step S6.

[0095] Thereafter, when other transducers are to be used, in likefashion, the processes in steps S2 to S6 will be performed.

[0096] Then, in step S7, when a decision is made not to use any moretransducers, the transmission cable 10 is removed from the mainapparatus unit 2 (step S8).

[0097] Next, another hand piece configuration example is described, withreference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, those portions that are like those inFIG. 1 are indicated by the same symbols and not further described.

[0098] In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a connector switchingdevice 65 is attached to the connector receptacle 8 of the mainapparatus unit 2. Thus provision is made so that switching can be doneto handle cases where the scissors type operating instrument 16 and thefirst transducer 15 are to be used with the transmission cable 10, onthe one hand, and cases where a hand piece having another configuration,as described below, is to be used, on the other.

[0099] The connector switching device 65 is configured so as to have aninput/output point 65 a and an input/output point 65 b that can beswitched between, a switch 65 c for switching between those input/outputpoints 65 a and 65 b, and an input/output point 65 d for connecting oneor other of the input/output points 65 a and 65 b selected by the switch65 c to the connector receptacle 8 of the main apparatus unit.

[0100] In the example shown here in FIG. 3, the first transducer 15 andthe scissors type operating instrument 16 are connected via thetransmission cable 10 to the input/output point 65 a in the connectorswitching device 65. This is simply one example, moreover, and there isno problem with connecting another hand piece as shown in FIG. 1.

[0101] To the other input/output point, namely 65 b, in the connectorswitching device 65, a hand piece is connected which, comprising ahollow pipe-shaped probe, is designed to emulsify tissue by ultrasonicvibration and remove it by suction.

[0102] This hand piece, more particularly, is configured so as to have atransducer 41 that constitutes transducer means, a transmission cable 42integrated with the transducer 41, and an ultrasonic emulsifying suctionoperating instrument 43 that constitutes ultrasonic operating meansprovided for the transducer 41 such that it can be attached and detachedfreely.

[0103] The transmission cable 42 is configured, roughly in the same wayas the transmission cable 10, so as to have a connector 45 constitutingconnector means provided with a signal terminal 45 a that constitutes adrive signal input terminal and a signal terminal 45 b that constitutesan identification signal output terminal, a drive signal line 46,connected to the signal terminal 45 a, that constitutes a drive signaltransmission cable for transmitting drive signals generated from thedrive signal generator unit 5, and an identification signal line 47,connected to the signal terminal 45 b, that constitutes anidentification signal transmission cable for transmitting identificationsignals from the identification element 49 (described below) to theidentification circuit 6. Because this transmission cable 42 is providedintegrally with the transducer 41, however, no connector is provided atthe other end.

[0104] The transducer 41, moreover, is configured so as to have anultrasonic vibrator 48 for receiving drive signals from the drive signalline 46 and causing ultrasonic vibrations to be generated, anidentification element 49 that constitutes identification signalgenerator means for generating identification information indicating thetype of the transducer 41 and transmitting that information via theidentification signal line 47, and a suction port fitting 50.

[0105] The ultrasonic emulsifying suction operating instrument 43, onthe other hand, as described already, is provided with a hollowpipe-shaped probe 43 a, is configured as a short type of instrument usedin open surgical operations for emulsifying tissue by ultrasonicvibration and removing it by suction, and has a water delivery portfitting 51, which is for supplying physiological saline solution forcooling or cleaning, extending from a side surface that forms a taperedshape at the base end.

[0106] A suction tube 61 is connected to the suction port fitting 50 anda water delivery tube 62 is connected to the water delivery port fitting51. These tubes, namely the suction tube 61 and the water delivery tube62, are connected to a water delivery and suction unit 60 that isnecessary when performing ultrasonic emulsification and suction. Thusprovision is made so that suction and water delivery can be performed.This water delivery and suction unit 60 is also made so that theoperation thereof is controlled by the main apparatus unit 2.

[0107] The transducer 41 is also made so that, instead of the ultrasonicemulsifying suction operating instrument 43, an endoscopic operatinginstrument 44 that constitutes ultrasonic operating means having alength of approximately 20 to 30 cm used in endoscopic surgicaloperations can be connected thereto. This endoscopic operatinginstrument 44 is also provided with a hollow pipe-shaped probe 44 a, andhas a water delivery port fitting 52, which is for supplyingphysiological saline solution for cooling or cleaning, extending from aside surface that forms a tapered shape at the base end. When theendoscopic operating instrument 44 is to be used, the water deliverytube 62 is connected to that water delivery port fitting 52.

[0108] Thus, by adding the water delivery and suction unit 60 whileusing the main apparatus unit 2 in common, it is possible to configurean ultrasonic suction system.

[0109] When an operation is being performed using an ultrasonicoperation system like that shown in FIG. 3, a flow like that shown inFIG. 2 will be basically followed, but with the exceptions noted below.

[0110] First, that which is connected to the connector receptacle 8 ofthe main apparatus unit 2 is the connector switching device 65, theconnector 13 of the transmission cable 10 is connected to theinput/output point 65 a of the connector switching device 65, and theconnector 45 of the transmission cable 42 is connected to theinput/output point 65 b.

[0111] The connector receptacle 25 of the transducer 15 is connected tothe connector 14 of the transmission cable 10, and the scissors typeoperating instrument 16, for example, is attached to that transducer 15,in the same manner as described earlier.

[0112] To the transducer 41, on the other hand, the ultrasonicemulsifying suction operating instrument 43, for example, is connected,whereupon the suction tube 61 will be attached to the suction portfitting 50 and the water delivery tube 62 will be attached to the waterdelivery port fitting 51.

[0113] At this time, furthermore, by connecting that water delivery andsuction unit 60 to the main apparatus unit 2, it becomes possible tocontrol the suction or water delivery by the control circuit 7 of themain apparatus unit 2.

[0114] After the connections described above have been made, byswitching the switch 65 c of the connector switching device 65 either tothe input/output point 65 a or to the input/output point 65 b (switchedhere, for example, to the input/output point 65 b side), identificationinformation is output from the identification element 49 in thetransducer 41 and input to the identification circuit 6 via theidentification signal line 47 of the transmission cable 42.

[0115] In this manner, the identification circuit 6 determines whichinstrument has been connected, and outputs the results of thatidentification action to the control circuit 7. The control circuit 7,upon receiving those identification results, sets various parameters andthe like so that the drive signal generated from the drive signalgenerator unit 5 is made a drive signal that is compatible with theidentified instrument, that being, in this case, the transducer 41 whichhas the ultrasonic vibrator 48. The control circuit 7 also causesinformation on the connected instrument to be displayed on thecontrol-display unit 4.

[0116] The control circuit 7, furthermore, in response to theidentification results, communicates with the water delivery and suctionunit 60, sets optimal parameters, and exercises control so that thewater delivery and suction actions of the water delivery and suctionunit 60 are synchronized with the sending out of the drive signal forthe ultrasonic vibrations by the drive signal generator unit 5.

[0117] When the switch 65 c of the connector switching device 65 isswitched to the input/output point 65 a side, the identificationinformation output from the identification element 27 is subjected tojudgment by the identification circuit 6, and the control circuit 7 thatreceives those identification results sets parameters that are optimalfor the transducer 15 comprising the ultrasonic vibrator 26, and causesinformation on the connected instrument to be displayed on thecontrol-display unit 4, in the same manner as described earlier.

[0118] The transducer 41 and the transmission cable 42 were integratedin order to make the hand piece compact and improve its handlingcharacteristics and other operability factors. More specifically,because it is necessary to attach the suction tube 61 and water deliverytube 62 to the hand piece shown in FIG. 3, providing a connector orconnector receptacle will inevitably lead to making the hand piecelarger. There is also the consideration that ultrasonic suctiontreatments, in brain surgery in particular, are often conducted bythemselves. Thereupon, taking those circumstances into consideration,the configuration is made one in which the transducer 41 and thetransmission cable 42 are integrated and any connectors or connectorreceptacles are omitted.

[0119] Nevertheless, it is also possible to implement such a transducer41 as this in a connector attaching scheme in the same manner as withthe other transducers described earlier.

[0120] Conversely, it is also possible to provide the transmission cable10 integrally in such transducers as the transducers 15, 18, 21, and 23shown in FIG. 1 and omit therefrom the connectors and connectorreceptacles.

[0121] In the example shown in FIG. 3, furthermore, provision is made sothat the scissors type hand piece and the ultrasonic suction hand piececan be used separately during one operation by means of the connectorswitching device 65. Needless to say, there is no problem at all withusing those such that they are directly connected to the connectorreceptacle 8 of the main apparatus unit 2 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0122] It is also possible to configure the connector switching device65 so that it is incorporated integrally into the water delivery andsuction unit 60.

[0123] Based on such a first embodiment aspect as this, it becomespossible for a surgical operator to easily and distinguishably usemultiple types of hand pieces during one operation, at his or herdiscretion, whether the transducer is of the type wherewith an operatinginstrument having an ultrasonic vibration transmission unit is attachedand detached or is a transducer wherein the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission unit is provided integrally therewith. At such time,moreover, as soon as the surgical operator himself or herself has simplyconnected the hand piece to the transmission cable in the operatingtheater, parameters for a drive that is optimal to that hand piece areset, wherefore there is no need for any troublesome manipulation to bemade, and operability is improved. Also, because the type of theconnected hand piece is displayed on the control-display unit, that canreadily be verified.

[0124] Furthermore, an ultrasonic suction apparatus that conventionallyrequired a large and expensive system can be easily realized by adding adedicated hand piece and water delivery and suction unit to an existingultrasonic operation system. When that is done, moreover, by employing aconnector switching device, it is also possible to distinguishably usethe ultrasonic suction unit and a scissors type hand piece, for example,made for an existing ultrasonic operation system, during the sameoperation.

[0125]FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment aspect of the present invention.FIG. 4 represents ultrasonic operation system combination examples. Inthis second embodiment aspect, portions that are the same as in thefirst embodiment aspect are indicated by the same symbols and notfurther described here. Mainly the points of difference only aredescribed.

[0126] A hand switch that is configured so that it can be freelyattached to and detached from a hand piece is described, with referenceto FIG. 4.

[0127] This ultrasonic operation system is a system, wherein any one ofa plurality of types of hand pieces, such as a hook probe type handpiece 91, scissors probe type hand piece 92, or trocar probe type handpiece 93, can be selectively connected to generator 96 through driveenergy supply cord 94, and is configured so that a hand switch unit 95can be detachably connected to the selected hand piece.

[0128] More specifically, a common plug shape is implemented in handpiece plugs 91 a, 92 a, and 93 a provided respectively in the handpieces 91, 92, and 93, so that those hand piece plugs 91 a, 92 a, and 93a can be connected to a hand piece socket 94 a provided in one end of adrive energy supply cord 94.

[0129] The drive energy supply cord 94 has the hand piece socket 94 aprovided at one end of the cable 94 b thereof, and a generator plug 94 cprovided at the other end.

[0130] The generator plug 94 c is made so that it connects to the handpiece connector 96 a provided in a generator 96.

[0131] The hand switch unit 95 is configured so that it has a handswitch unit 95 a provided with control switches and capable of beingattached to the grip portion or the like of the hand pieces 91, 92, and93, a cable 95 b that extends from the hand switch unit 95 a, and a handswitch generator plug 95 c provided at the other end of that cable 95 b.

[0132] The hand switch generator plug 95 c is made so that it connectsto a hand switch connector 96 b provided in the generator 96.

[0133] This generator 96 is also made so that a foot switch 97 can bedetachably connected thereto, and so that settings can be made byconnecting a foot switch plug 97 b provided in the leading end of acable 97 a that extends from that foot switch 97.

[0134] Based on such a second embodiment aspect as this, as with thefirst embodiment aspect described earlier, it is possible for a surgicaloperator easily to distinguishably use a plurality of types of handpiece during one operation, at his or her own discretion, but it isfurther possible to attach a switch unit if required.

[0135] In the case of such a second embodiment aspect as described inthe foregoing, it should be noted, there will be two cables extendingfrom the hand piece, namely the drive energy cable and the switchingcable, whereupon there is a possibility of the operating room becomingcongested. That being so, an embodiment aspect is described below thatis designed to improve that aspect.

[0136]FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a third embodiment aspect of the presentinvention. FIG. 5 is a diagonal view of the configuration of a handpiece and a hand switch unit in an ultrasonic operation system, whileFIG. 6 is a diagram that uses blocks to mainly represent parts of theelectrical configuration of the ultrasonic operation system.

[0137] A hand piece 101 that constitutes hand piece means has a long andslender insertion unit extending from the grip part toward the leadingend, with a hook-shaped operating member 102 provided in the leading endof that insertion unit. Also, a tapered connecting part 115 is providedat the leading end of the grip part of the hand piece 101, and a handpiece plug 103 constituting a second connector receptacle having asecond energy signal input terminal for inputting drive signals that areoperating energy signals is provided at the back end thereof.

[0138] This hand piece 101 also has incorporated into it an ultrasonicvibrator 116 for generating ultrasonic vibrations (see FIG. 6), and anultrasonic vibration transmission unit for transmitting the ultrasonicvibrations generated by that ultrasonic vibrator 116 to the operatingmember 102.

[0139] The hand piece plug 103 is for inputting drive signals fordriving the ultrasonic vibrator 116, and is made so that it can bedetachably connected to a drive signal plug 104 of a hand piece socket105, that drive signal plug 104 constituting second connector meanshaving a second energy signal output terminal.

[0140] The hand piece socket 105 is provided in one branching end 106 aof a transmission cable 106 that is a drive energy supply cord fortransmitting drive signals output from a generator 121 (see FIG. 6)described subsequently, and a hand switch input plug 107 constitutingthird connector means having a first switching signal input terminal isprovided in the other branching end 106 b of that transmission cable106.

[0141] The hand switch input plug 107 is made so that an output plug 108constituting a third connector receptacle having a first switchingsignal output terminal in a hand switch unit 109 constituting aswitching switch unit can be detachably connected thereto, and it ispossible to transmit signals from that hand switch unit 109 to thegenerator 121.

[0142] The hand switch unit 109, which is a main switch unit for makingcontrol inputs to control the output of ultrasonic vibrations, isconfigured so as to comprise a hand switch unit 110 that constitutes ahand switch relay, a hand switch cable 111 that extends from the handswitch unit 110, and the output plug 108 provided in the end of thishand switch cable 111.

[0143] The hand switch unit 110 comprises a setting value output button112 for making control inputs so that outputs determined bypredetermined setting values are effected, a 100% output button 113 formaking a control input so that the maximum output is continuallyeffected, and a mounting piece 114 that constitutes connecting means ofa snap fitting form for joining the hand switch unit 110 to theconnecting part 115.

[0144] Next, the circuit configuration of an ultrasonic operation systemcomprising a hand piece 101 and generator 121 such as described above isdescribed with reference to FIG. 6.

[0145] At the other end of the transmission cable 106 is provided agenerator plug 119 constituting first connector means having a firstenergy signal input terminal and a second switching signal outputterminal, with provision made so that it can be detachably connected toa hand piece connector 126 in the generator 121. Inside the transmissioncable 106 are provided a drive signal line 117 that constitutes a drivesignal transmission line for transmitting drive signals that areoperating energy signals, and a hand switch signal line 118 thatconstitutes a control signal transmission line for transmitting handswitch signals (control signals or switching signals). Provision ismade, furthermore, so that, after this transmission cable 106 branchesat the leading end thereof, the drive signal line 117 is provided at thebranching end 106 a, and the hand switch signal line 118 is provided atthe branching end 106 b.

[0146] The generator 121 is made so that a foot switch 129 is connectedby connecting a foot switch plug 128.

[0147] The generator 121 is configured so as to comprise the hand piececonnector 126 that constitutes a first connector receptacle having afirst energy signal output terminal and a second switching signal inputterminal and is for connecting the generator plug 119, a foot switchconnector 127 for connecting the foot switch plug 128, a drive circuit123 that comprises operating energy signal generator means forgenerating and outputting drive signals for driving the ultrasonicvibrator 116, a switch detection circuit 124 for detecting that eitherthe setting value output button 112 or the 100% output button 113 of thehand switch unit 109 has been depressed, a display panel 125, providedso as to be exposed on the outer cover of the generator 121, foreffecting displays relating to this ultrasonic operation system, and acontrol circuit 122 that constitutes control means for controlling thedrive circuit 123 and the display panel 125 on the basis of signalsoutput from the switch detection circuit 124, control signals input fromthe foot switch 129 (described subsequently), or control signals inputfrom the control switches and the like provided on the front panel ofthis generator 121.

[0148] The operation of an ultrasonic operation system configured inthis way is described next.

[0149] The surgical operator, prior to using the system, afterconnecting the generator plug 119 of the transmission cable 106 to thehand piece connector 126, connects the hand piece plug 103 to the drivesignal plug 104 of the hand piece socket 105.

[0150] Additionally, when the hand switch unit 109 is used, the outputplug 108 of the hand switch unit 109 is connected to the hand switchinput plug 107, and the mounting piece 114 is connected to theconnecting part 115 on the hand piece 101.

[0151] After such settings as these have been completed, when the systemis to be used, the surgical operator depresses either the setting valueoutput button 112 or the 100% output button 113 of the hand switch unit110.

[0152] When the button is depressed, the switch detection circuit 124detects which button was depressed and transmits a signal indicating theresults of that detection to the control circuit 122. The controlcircuit 122, upon receiving that signal, adjusts the parameters toeffect output corresponding to those detection results, and activatesthe drive circuit 123. Thereby, the drive circuit 123 generates andoutputs a drive signal. When that drive signal is transmitted via thedrive signal line 117 to the ultrasonic vibrator 116, the ultrasonicvibrator 116 generates ultrasonic vibrations, and those ultrasonicvibrations are transmitted via the ultrasonic vibration transmissionunit to the hook-shaped operating member 102.

[0153] When the operating instrument being used is to be changed toanother one, the treatment is performed as follows. The descriptiongiven here assumes that the other operating instrument to be employednext does not use the hand switch unit 109.

[0154] First, the output plug 108 is removed from the hand switch inputplug 107, and, at the same time, the hand piece plug 103 is removed fromthe drive signal plug 104 of the hand piece socket 105.

[0155] Then the hand piece plug 103 of the other operating instrument isconnected to the drive signal plug 104 of the hand piece socket 105, inthe same way as described earlier, and that other operating instrumentcan then be used.

[0156] At this time, the ultrasonic vibration output of the otheroperating instrument is turned on and off by manipulating the footswitch 129.

[0157] Based on such a third embodiment aspect as this, the hand switchunit can be freely attached to and detached from the cable that suppliesthe drive energy, wherefore it is possible to attach the hand switchunit only when needed, and also to select and use the optimal handswitch for each hand piece.

[0158] Accordingly, because the hand switches can be customized andformed in shapes that are optimal for each of the hand pieces, favorableoperability can be realized.

[0159] When the hand switch is not needed, moreover, it can be removed,thus making it possible to prevent erroneous control inputspreemptively.

[0160]FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment aspect of the present invention.FIG. 7 is a diagonal view of the configuration of a hand piece and ahand switch unit in an ultrasonic operation system. In this fourthembodiment aspect, portions that are the same as in the third embodimentaspect are indicated by the same symbols and not further described here.Mainly the points of difference only are described.

[0161] The ultrasonic operation system in this fourth embodiment aspectis basically configured in the same way as the ultrasonic operationsystem in the third embodiment aspect, but with the followingdifferences.

[0162] In the third embodiment aspect, the transmission cable 106branches into two parts at the leading end thereof, with the hand piecesocket 105 provided in one branching end 106 a, and the hand switchinput plug 107 provided in the other branching end 106 b. In contrasttherewith, in this fourth embodiment aspect, a hand switch input plug107A is configured integrally in a hand piece socket 105A.

[0163] Described more particularly, the hand switch input plug 107A isconfigured so that it has a part for connecting with the output plug 108protruding from the circumferential surface of the hand piece socket105A that is roughly cylindrically shaped.

[0164] When an ultrasonic operation system having the hand piece socket105A of such configuration as this is used, settings are made that areroughly the same as in the third embodiment aspect described earlier.

[0165] That is, the surgical operator, prior to using the system, afterconnecting the generator plug 119 of the transmission cable 106 to thehand piece connector 126, connects the hand piece plug 103 to the drivesignal plug 104 of the hand piece socket 105A.

[0166] Additionally, when the hand switch unit 109 is to be used, theoutput plug 108 of the hand switch unit 109 is connected to the handswitch input plug 107A, and the mounting piece 114 is connected to theconnecting part 115 on the hand piece 101.

[0167] Based on such a fourth embodiment aspect as this, whileexhibiting roughly the same benefits as the third embodiment aspect, theoutput plug can be removed comparatively easily, because the hand switchinput plug is secured on the hand piece socket, and it becomes possibleto shorten surgical operation times.

[0168]FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment aspect of the present invention.FIG. 8 is a front elevation representing the configuration of a handpiece socket and hand switch input plug. In this fifth embodimentaspect, portions that are the same as in the third or fourth embodimentaspects are indicated by the same symbols and not further describedhere. Mainly the points of difference only are described.

[0169] The ultrasonic operation system in this fifth embodiment aspectis basically configured in the same way as the ultrasonic operationsystem in the third embodiment aspect or fourth embodiment aspect, butwith the following differences.

[0170] A hand switch input plug 107B is provided integrally on a handpiece socket 105B as described in the fourth embodiment aspect, but thishand switch input plug 107B in this fifth embodiment aspect is furtherconfigured so that it can be freely rotated along the circumferentialsurface of the hand piece socket 105B.

[0171] When an ultrasonic operation system having the hand piece socket105B configured in this manner is used, settings are made that areroughly the same as in the fourth embodiment aspect described earlier.

[0172] Then, when the hand piece 101 is to be used, because the handswitch unit 109 is joined by fitting the mounting piece 114 onto theconnecting part 115, as described earlier, the hand switch unit 110 canbe rotated around the hand piece 101.

[0173] Thereupon, when the hand switch unit 110 is rotated to a desiredposition on the hand piece 101 according to the conditions wherein thathand piece 101 is being manipulated, the hand switch input plug 107Bwill rotate together with and so as to follow the rotation of the handswitch unit 109.

[0174] Based on such a fifth embodiment aspect as this, while realizingroughly the same benefits as in the third and fourth embodiment aspectsdescribed earlier, it becomes possible to adjust the hand switchattachment position as desired, wherefore operability is furtherenhanced. When the operating instrument has an odd shaped operatingmember such as a hook probe, for example, it is necessary that thesurgical operator be able to set the hand switch attachment positionaccording to his or her preference. That necessity can be met by theconfiguration described above.

[0175] In FIG. 9 is diagrammed a sixth embodiment aspect of the presentinvention. FIG. 9 is a diagonal view representing the configuration of ahand piece and hand switch unit in an ultrasonic operation system. Inthis sixth embodiment aspect, portions that are the same as in the thirdto fifth embodiment aspects are indicated by the same symbols and notfurther described here. Mainly the points of difference only aredescribed.

[0176] The ultrasonic operation system in this sixth embodiment aspectis basically configured in the same way as the ultrasonic operationsystem in the third to fifth embodiment aspects, but with the followingdifferences.

[0177] The hand switch unit 109C of this sixth embodiment aspect has thesetting value output button 112, 100% output button 113, and mountingpiece 114 described earlier, but the rear end of the main body thereofis extended to roughly the same position as the hand piece plug 103 ofthe hand piece 101, and there an output plug 108C is providedintegrally.

[0178] A hand piece socket 105C provided at the leading end of thetransmission cable 106, meanwhile, has the drive signal plug 104 and ahand switch input plug 107C provided on the same end surface, made so asto connect, respectively, to the hand piece plug 103 and the output plug108C.

[0179] When an ultrasonic operation system having the hand switch unit109C and hand piece socket 105C configured in this way is used, settingsare made in the following manner.

[0180] The surgical operator, prior to using the system, connects thegenerator plug 119 of the transmission cable 106 to the hand piececonnector 126, attaches the hand switch unit 109C to the hand piece 101,and then connects the hand piece plug 103 to the drive signal plug 104of the hand piece socket 105C.

[0181] At this time, the output plug 108C and the hand switch input plug107C do not have to be connected separately because they will naturallybe connected simultaneously.

[0182] Moreover, when a hand piece of a type requiring no hand switchunit 109C is connected, only the hand piece plug 103 and the drivesignal plug 104 of the hand piece socket 105C will be connected.

[0183] Moreover, if the hand switch unit 109C is custom formed accordingto the type and shape of the hand piece 101, operability will beenhanced in the same manner as already described.

[0184] Based on such a sixth embodiment aspect as this, while realizingroughly the same effects as in the third to fifth embodiment aspectsdescribed earlier, the hand switch will also be connected,simultaneously, when the hand piece socket is connected, rendering thesetting operation simpler, and making it possible to shorten theoperation time.

[0185] In FIG. 10 to 13 is diagrammed a seventh embodiment aspect of thepresent invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded diagonal view of theconfiguration of a hand piece and a hand switch unit in an ultrasonicoperation system, FIG. 11 is a diagonal view of the configuration of theultrasonic operation system, FIG. 12 is a diagram that uses blocks torepresent parts of primarily the electrical configuration of theultrasonic operation system, and FIG. 13 is a diagram of combinationexamples in the ultrasonic operation system.

[0186] In this seventh embodiment aspect, portions that are the same asin the third to sixth embodiment aspects are indicated by the samesymbols and not further described here. Mainly the points of differenceonly are described.

[0187] The hand piece 101D in this seventh embodiment aspect, differingfrom the hand piece 101 described earlier, is not provided with thededicated connecting part 115, but, instead thereof, the grip partfulfills the functions of a connecting part 115D.

[0188] Furthermore, at the leading end of the transmission cable 106 isprovided a hand piece socket 105D, and in that hand piece socket 105D isprovided a common plug 104D constituting second connector means having asecond energy signal output terminal and a first switching signal inputterminal. In this common plug 104D are provided electrical contacts forcarrying both drive signals and hand switch signals. This common plug104D, described more particularly, in addition to comprising an array ofelectrical contacts capable of connecting the hand piece plug 103,having a third energy input terminal, by itself, is further providedwith electrical contacts, additional to those electrical contacts, forcarrying the hand switch signals, and so exhibits upward compatibilitywith the above-mentioned drive signal plug 104.

[0189] Provision is made so that, between such hand piece 101D and handpiece socket 105D, a hand switch unit 109D can be attached by a relayadapter 131 that constitutes a relay adapter unit.

[0190] This hand switch unit 109D comprises a hand switch component 110Dthat constitutes a hand switch relay and is the main switch unit forcontrolling output, mounting brackets 114D that project from the lowersurface side of the hand switch component 110D and are for connecting tothe connecting part 115D of the hand piece 101D, a hand switch cable 111that is extended from the hand switch component 110D and is for carryinghand switch signals output from the hand switch component 110D, and therelay adapter 131 noted above, provided at the rear end of this handswitch cable 111.

[0191] The hand switch component 110D is provided with the setting valueoutput button 112 and the 100% output button 113.

[0192] The relay adapter 131 is configured so as to connect to the handpiece plug 103, and so as to have a drive signal plug 132 constitutingfourth connector means having a third energy signal output terminal fortransmitting drive signals, and a common plug 133, constituting a fourthconnector receptacle having a second energy signal input terminal forinputting drive signals and a first switching signal output terminal foroutputting hand switch signals, which connects with the common plug104D.

[0193] In FIG. 11 is diagrammed a condition wherein the hand piece 101D,hand switch unit 109D, and hand piece socket 105D, such as described inthe foregoing, are mutually connected, and set connected to thegenerator 121 to which the foot switch 129 has been connected.

[0194] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description is given of thecircuit configuration of an ultrasonic operation system comprising ahand piece 101D such as is described in the foregoing and the generator121.

[0195] The electrical configuration of the hand piece 101D, theelectrical configuration of the hand switch component 110D of the handswitch unit 109D, and the configuration of the generator 121 and footswitch 129 and so forth are the same as indicated earlier in referenceto FIG. 6.

[0196] The common plug 104D provided at one end of the transmissioncable 106, as noted above, is provided with an electrical contact thatis connected to the drive signal line 117 and with an electrical contactthat is connected to the hand switch signal line 118. The generator plug119 provided at the other end of the transmission cable 106 is the sameas described above.

[0197] The relay adapter 131 of the hand switch unit 109D, furthermore,as noted above, is provided with the drive signal plug 132 that isconnected to the hand piece plug 103 and transmits drive signals, andthe common plug 133 that is connected to the common plug 104D andtransmits drive signals and hand switch signals.

[0198] When an ultrasonic operation system having the hand switch unit109D, hand piece 101D, and hand piece socket 105D configured in this wayis used, settings are made as follows.

[0199] The surgical operator, before using the system, first connectsthe generator plug 119 of the transmission cable 106 to the hand piececonnector 126 and also connects the hand piece plug 103 to the drivesignal plug 132 of the relay adapter 131, and then attaches the handswitch unit 109D to the hand piece 101D by fitting the mounting brackets114D onto the connecting part 115D.

[0200] Subsequently, the common plug 133 of the hand switch unit 109Dmade integral with the hand piece 101D is connected to the common plug104 of the hand piece socket 105D.

[0201] When connecting to a hand piece of a type not requiring the handswitch unit 109D, the hand piece plug 103 of the hand piece 101D and thecommon plug 104D of the hand piece socket 105D will be connecteddirectly. As described earlier, the common plug 104D is upwardcompatible with the drive signal plug 104, wherefore such directconnection is possible.

[0202] In FIG. 13 are diagrammed ultrasonic operation system combinationexamples wherein the hand switch unit 109D such as is described in theforegoing is used.

[0203] The hand switch unit 109D is made so that it can be used not onlyin combinations with the hook probe type hand piece 101D as noted above,but also in combinations with a scissors type hand piece 101E or trocarprobe type hand piece 101F.

[0204] The hand pieces 101D, 101E, and 101F are made so as to have acommon hand piece plug 103. When the hand switch unit 109D is attachedto any one of those hand pieces 101D, 101E, and 101F, that is done byconnecting that hand piece plug 103 to the drive signal plug 132 of therelay adapter 131, and connecting the common plug 133 to the common plug104D of the hand piece socket 105D.

[0205] When any one of the hand pieces 101D, 101E, and 101F is to beused without attaching the hand switch unit 109D, the hand piece plug103 is connected directly to the common plug 104D of the hand piecesocket 105D.

[0206] Thus, by connecting the relay adapter 131 between the hand piecesocket 105D and one of the plurality of types of hand pieces, namely101D, 101E, and 101F, so that it is sandwiched therebetween, a system isconfigured wherein the hand switch unit 109D can be used.

[0207] The hand switch unit 109D may also be custom formed according tothe type or shape of the hand piece. In this case, operability isfurther improved, as already noted.

[0208] Based on such a seventh embodiment aspect as this, roughly thesame effects are realized as in the third to sixth embodiment aspectsdescribed earlier and, when the hand switch is not to be used, the handswitch unit can be removed, resulting in a compact condition with nohand switch input plug or the like. Thus operability can be enhancedwhether the surgical operator is one who prefers a foot switch or onewho prefers a hand switch.

[0209] In the description given in the foregoing, ultrasonic operationsystems employing ultrasonic vibrations are exemplified as energyoperating systems for performing treatments on living tissue. However,the invention is not limited thereto or thereby, and configurationswherein similar hand switch units are attached can be applied to systemsusing other treatment energy.

[0210] In FIG. 14 to 21 is diagrammed an eighth embodiment aspect of thepresent invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram that shows how connections aremade in an ultrasonic operation system in an eighth embodiment aspect ofthe present invention, FIG. 15 is a diagram that shows the ultrasonicoperation system disassembled, FIG. 16 is a simplified diagram of theconfiguration of a hand piece in the ultrasonic operation system, FIG.17A is a diagram of a first configuration example wherein a horn and anultrasonic vibration transmission member are fixedly coupled and madeintegral in the ultrasonic operation system, FIG. 17B is a diagram of asecond configuration example wherein a horn and an ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member are fixedly coupled and made integral in theultrasonic operation system, FIG. 17C is a diagram of a thirdconfiguration example wherein a horn and an ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member are fixedly coupled and made integral in theultrasonic operation system, FIG. 17D is a diagram of a fourthconfiguration example wherein a horn and an ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member are fixedly coupled and made integral in theultrasonic operation system, FIG. 18 is a side elevation thatrepresents, partially in cross-section, a structure for detachablyconnecting an outer cannula and a hand piece in the ultrasonic operationsystem, FIG. 19 is a diagram that shows how it is possible to connect acommon cable to a plurality of hand pieces in the ultrasonic operationsystem, FIG. 20 is a diagram that shows how it is possible to connect acommon cable to a plurality of hand pieces connected to a plurality ofoperating instruments in the ultrasonic operation system, and FIG. 21 isa diagram representing examples where identification means are providedin a plurality of hand pieces and in the outer cannulas correspondingthereto in the ultrasonic operation system.

[0211] This ultrasonic operation system is configured, as diagrammed inFIG. 14, with an ultrasonic operation apparatus 201 connected via acable 203 to an oscillator apparatus 202 that functions as an outputgeneration apparatus, and an output control device 204 such as a footswitch for controlling output operations connected to the oscillatorapparatus 202.

[0212] The ultrasonic operation apparatus 201 in this eighth embodimentaspect relates to an example where an ultrasonic trocar is configured asthe operating instrument. When not being used, it is disassembled intovarious parts, as diagrammed in FIG. 15, namely an outer cannula 205, ahand piece 206 equipped with a probe mounted detachably to that outercannula 205, and the cable 203 for supplying electrical drive power,detachably mounted to that hand piece 206.

[0213] When such an ultrasonic operation apparatus 201 is used, it maybe assembled to realize the condition diagrammed in FIG. 14 by insertingan ultrasonic vibration transmission member (probe) 215 (such asdiagrammed in FIG. 15) of the hand piece 206 into the outer cannula 205,thus joining that outer cannula 205 and hand piece 206, and thenconnecting the cable 203 to the hand piece 206.

[0214] The hand piece 206 has an ultrasonic vibrator 212 mounted insidea cylindrical case 211, and, as diagrammed in FIG. 16, the ultrasonicvibration transmission member 215 having an operating member 214 at theleading end thereof is fixedly connected to a horn 213 in the ultrasonicvibrator 212. This ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215 receivesultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 212 from thehorn 213 and transmits them to the operating member 214.

[0215] The ultrasonic vibrator 212, as diagrammed in FIG. 16, isconfigured with a plurality of piezoelectric elements 210 in a stack,such that ultrasonic vibrations are generated when a drive voltage isapplied through electrodes. The ultrasonic vibrations so generated areamplified by the horn 213 so that their amplitude increases.

[0216] As described in the foregoing, the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215 is coupled fixedly to the horn 213 of theultrasonic vibrator 212. These ultrasonic vibration transmission member215 and horn 213 constitute a structure wherein they cannot be attachedor detached when being used normally, and are handled as a singleentity.

[0217] As to the means for fixedly coupling the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215 and the horn 213 of the ultrasonic vibrator 212,those diagrammed in FIG. 17A to 17D, for example, are conceivable.

[0218] What are diagrammed in FIG. 17A to 17C are examples of means forintegrally configuring the horn 213 and the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215, those being separate members, by fixedlycoupling those members.

[0219] First, in the first configuration example diagrammed in FIG. 17A,female threads 216 are formed in the leading end of the horn 213, malethreads 217 are formed in the base end of the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215, the male threads 217 are screwed into thefemale threads 216, and the screwed in portions and the end surfacesconstituting joining surfaces are bonded together with an adhesive,thereby integrally fixing the horn 213 and the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215. Thus, in this example, provision is made sothat the horn 213 and the ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215are fixedly coupled and made integral by the use of screw fastening andbonding.

[0220] The adhesive used in this case should be one that is highlyheat-resistant so as to withstand the environment wherein the hand piece206 is used. In the description above, moreover, the female threads areprovided in the horn 213 and the male threads 217 are provided in theultrasonic vibration transmission member 215, but this may of course bereversed so that the male threads 217 are provided in the horn 213 andthe female threads 216 are provided in the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215.

[0221] Next, the second configuration example diagrammed in FIG. 17B isone wherein the leading end of the horn 213 and the base end of theultrasonic vibration transmission member 215 are fixedly coupled andmade integral by either welding or brazing.

[0222] Next, the third configuration example diagrammed in FIG. 17C isone wherein the horn 213 and the ultrasonic vibration transmissionmember 215 are fixedly coupled and made integral by first forming a hole218 in the leading end of the horn 213 and forming a projection 219 inthe base end of the ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215, theninserting and fitting the projection 219 into the hole 218, and finallypassing a pin 220 commonly through the hole 218 and the projection 219.

[0223] While the pin 220 is used here to effect integration after thefitting together, that poses no limitation, and integration may beeffected by using an adhesive to bond together the portions that fittogether and the end surfaces that constitute the joining surfaces.Needless to say, moreover, instead of forming the hole 218 in the horn213 and the projection 219 in the ultrasonic vibration transmissionmember 215, the projection 219 may be formed in the horn 213, and thehole 218 formed in the ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215.

[0224] The fourth configuration example diagrammed in FIG. 17D, on theother hand, is one wherein the horn 213 and the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215 are formed of a single member, and therebyfixedly coupled and made integral.

[0225] Means for fixedly coupling the horn 213 and the ultrasonicvibration transmission member 215 so that they cannot be attached ordetached are not limited to the examples described in the above. Even ifthe configuration is one wherein the horn 213 and the ultrasonicvibration transmission member 215 are coupled by being screwed together,as conventionally, it is only necessary, in addition thereto, to providemeans to prevent attachment and detachment so that a user cannot removethe ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215 from the horn 213. Oneconceivable specific example of such attachment/detachment preventionmeans would be a structure or the like wherein the portion where a toolis brought to bear when the ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215is screw-coupled is covered so that it cannot be seen by a user.

[0226] The outer cannula 205 mounted to the hand piece 206 is configuredas follows.

[0227] The outer cannula 205 is configured so as to have a sheath 221having an internal tubular passage, and a holder unit 222 that isconnected at the base end of the sheath 221 and has space formed thereinwhich communicates with the tubular passage in the sheath 221. In theholder unit 222, on one side thereof, is provided a mouth fitting 230that communicates with the tubular passage of the sheath 221.

[0228] In the opening at the base end of the holder unit 222, a cap 223is provided, and in this cap 223 are provided a push button 227 and aflap valve (not shown) that is opened and closed by the push button 227.

[0229] The flap valve is configured so that it is usually in a positionthat closes the opening at the base end of the holder unit 222 due to aspring (not shown), and so that, when a trocar needle or the hand piece206 is mounted, the push button 227 is pushed in, and turns, withdrawingtoward the space provided inside the holder unit 222, thus opening theopening at the base end of that holder unit 222.

[0230] Furthermore, to the cap 223 is detachably mounted a seal member224. This seal member 224 is configured so as to have a base end partthat is held at the position of the opening at the base end of theholder unit 222, an arm member 229 extended diagonally from that baseend part, and a valve member 228 formed at the tip end of that armmember 229. In the base end part thereof is formed a first seal hole,and in the valve member 228 is formed a second seal hole having asmaller diameter than the first seal hole.

[0231] The base end part of the seal member 224, to describe it moreparticularly, is attached by being held sandwiched between the cap 223and a seal securing member 226 provided in that cap 223 such that it canfreely turn on a shaft 225. Accordingly, this seal member 224 isconfigured so that it can be removed from the cap 223 by turning theseal securing member 226.

[0232] In the cap 223 provided in the holder unit 222 of the outercannula 205, furthermore, connection means are provided for detachablyconnecting the hand piece 206. These connection means are configured asdiagrammed in FIG. 18, for example.

[0233] First, to the leading end of case 211 of the hand piece 206, acylindrical connection member 241 is connected and fixed by screwfastening or the like so that it becomes coaxial with that case 211.

[0234] Also, to the leading end of the connection member 241, aconnection ring 242 is connected so that it becomes coaxial with theconnection member 241 and so that it can turn freely relative to thatconnection member 241.

[0235] In other words, in the inner surface of the leading end of theconnection member 241 are formed a projection 243 and a groove 244 thatextend all the way around the circumference, while in the outer surfaceof the base end of the connection ring 242 are formed a projection 246and a groove 247 that extend all the way around the circumference, sothat, by mutually reversing the concave-convex relationship, theprojection 243 and groove 244, and also the groove 247 and projection246, respectively interlock.

[0236] Accordingly, it is possible for the connection ring 242 to turnconcentrically with the connection member 241. At such time, the partsjoined with the projection 243 and the groove 247 and the parts joinedwith the groove 244 and the projection 246 are interlocked so that theygenerate friction forces that counteract the turning force, so that thetwo cannot be turned by a slight force, resulting in a configurationwherein, in order to effect turning, a conscious turning action must beperformed, bringing to bear a commensurately strong force.

[0237] The outer cannula 205 described earlier is coupled with thisconnection ring 242 that can turn freely in this manner.

[0238] That is, in the cap 223 of the outer cannula 205, a pair, forexample, of claw-shaped receiving pieces 250 are provided, extendedtoward the base end direction, and a projection 251 and groove 252 areformed in the inner surfaces of those receiving pieces 250.

[0239] Also, at the leading end of the connection ring 242, a pair oflatching arms (latching pawls) 253 are provided that project forwardafter bulging to the outside, corresponding to the pair of receivingpieces 250. At the outer surfaces of these latching arms 253 are formedgrooves 256 and projections 255 for meshing with the projections 251 andthe grooves 252 in the receiving pieces 250 so that the concave-convexrelationship is reversed.

[0240] By such a configuration as this, when the hand piece 206 ismounted to the outer cannula 205, the latching arms 253 are deformed,flexing to the inside, and the projections 251 of the receiving pieces250 and the projections 255 of the latching arms 253 mutually ride upover each other and interlock to effect latching.

[0241] When removing the hand piece 206 from the outer cannula 205, thelatching arms 253 are depressed with the fingers or the like, deformingthose latching arms 253 so that they flex to the inside, therebyreleasing the interlocking of the projections 251 of the receivingpieces 250 and the projections 255 of the latching arms 253. Then, withthat interlocking so released, by pulling out the hand piece 206 towardthe front, the hand piece 206 can be removed from the outer cannula 205.

[0242] In the aft end of the hand piece 206, an electrical connectionunit 258 is provided for detachably connecting a connector 257 providedin the leading end of the cable 203.

[0243] This electrical connection unit 258 has a common configurationirrespective of the type of the hand piece 206 of the ultrasonicoperation apparatus 201. Thus, whether the ultrasonic operationapparatus 201 has the same types of hand pieces 206 or different typesof hand pieces 206, they can be connected to the connector 257 of thecommon cable 203.

[0244] Thus, by commonly using the cable 203, left connected as is tothe oscillator apparatus 202 via a connector 287 at the other end, asdiagrammed in FIG. 14, a plurality of hand pieces 206 can be connected,and, for that reason, there is no need to have a separate cable 203available for each hand piece 206 that is used.

[0245] A description is now given, with reference to FIG. 19, of aconfiguration wherein multiple hand pieces 206 that are of the samemodel but different specifications are selectively connected to the samecable 203.

[0246] Every one of the plurality of ultrasonic trocars diagrammed inFIG. 19 is configured roughly in the same way as the one describedabove, but the diameters of the outer cannula 205 are different, beingφ5, φ10, and φ12, respectively (where the symbol “φ” represents thediameter in mm units), constituting ultrasonic operation apparatuses 201when combined with that which is compatible with the outer cannula 205.Each of these ultrasonic operation apparatuses 201 is configured so thatthe connector 257 of the cable 203 can be commonly connected.

[0247] In FIG. 20 is represented a relationship wherein the connector257 of the cable 203 can be connected commonly to a plurality ofultrasonic operation apparatuses 201, inclusively of different models,together with the relationship of operating instruments that arecombined with the vibrator units.

[0248] At the top in FIG. 20 are diagrammed an operating instrument 271configured as scissors with an insertion part 272 having a diameter ofφ10, and a vibrator unit 273 used in that operating instrument 271.

[0249] Second from the top in FIG. 20 are diagrammed an operatinginstrument 274 configured as short scissors with an insertion part 275having the same diameter of φ10, and a vibrator unit 276 used in thatoperating instrument 274.

[0250] In the middle in FIG. 20 are diagrammed an operating instrument277 configured as scissors with an insertion part 278 having a diameterof φ5, and a vibrator unit 279 used in that operating instrument 277.

[0251] Second from the bottom in FIG. 20 are diagrammed an operatinginstrument 281 configured as a hook with an insertion part 282 having adiameter of φ10, and a vibrator unit 283 used in that operatinginstrument 281.

[0252] And at the bottom in FIG. 20 are diagrammed an operatinginstrument 284 configured as a hook with an insertion part 285 having adiameter of φ5, and a vibrator unit 286 used in that operatinginstrument 284.

[0253] The connector 257 of the cable 203 is made so that it can becommonly connected to any of the vibrator units 273, 276, 279, 283, and286 used respectively in the operating instruments 271, 274, 277, 281,and 284.

[0254] Thus provision is made so that the common cable 203 can beconnected to the vibrator unit used in any of the operating instruments,whether they be operating instruments of the same type but differentscheme as diagrammed in FIG. 19 or operating instruments of differenttype as diagrammed in FIG. 20.

[0255] Also, as described in the foregoing, in each of the operatinginstruments 271, 274, 277, 281, and 284 is used the correspondingvibrator unit 273, 276, 279, 283, or 286, respectively, but, when thatis done, it is preferable that identification means (discriminationmeans) be added in order to clarify the relationships between compatiblepairs. An example of such identification means that may be mentionedinclude the application of an indication to both members of mutuallycompatible combinations, wherewith the fact of their being a combinationcan be distinguished, such as a common color, common letters orcharacters, common symbol, or common number, for example.

[0256] In FIG. 21 are diagrammed examples of an ultrasonic trocar thatis one example of an operating instrument wherein such identificationmeans as these are provided. There are three outer cannulas 205 havingrespectively different diameters of φ12, φ10, and φ5, respectively, andultrasonic vibrator units for the hand piece 206 wherein are providedultrasonic vibration transmission members 215 that are compatible withthose outer cannulas 205, on both members of which combinations areapplied the correspondingly common characters “φ12,” “φ10,” and “φ5,”respectively.

[0257] Now, in the oscillator apparatus 202, one socket 288 forconnecting the connector 287 of the cable 203 is generally provided, asdiagrammed in FIG. 14, but this poses no limitation, and it is possibleto provide a plurality of sockets 288. When a plurality of sockets 288is provided, it will of course be possible to employ a plural number ofcables 203. When the number of cables 203 is large, however, there is apossibility of the work being thereby interfered with, wherefore it ispreferable to make provision so that, if at all possible, a fewer numberof cables 203 is connected and used than the number of operatinginstruments being used.

[0258] Also, in each of the hand pieces 206 is incorporated somediscrimination means for identifying itself. The discrimination means inthis eighth embodiment aspect are made such that, as diagrammed in FIG.16, a resistor element 261 is incorporated inside the hand piece 206,the resistance value of that resistor element 261 is read out by adetection circuit 262 incorporated in the oscillator apparatus 202, viaan identification signal transmission line, and, according to thatdetected resistance value, the type of the hand piece 206 wherein thatresistor element 261 is incorporated, that is, the vibrator unitintegrated with the probe, is distinguished. In Table 1 are representedexamples of associations between the resistance value of the resistorelement 261 and the hand piece type. TABLE 1 Resistance Hand Piece Type 50 Ω φ 5 hand piece 100 Ω φ10 hand piece 200 Ω φ12 hand piece

[0259] As indicated in Table 1 above, the φ5 hand piece is distinguishedwhen the resistance value is 50 Ω, the φ10 hand piece is distinguishedwhen the resistance value is 100 Ω, and the φ12 hand piece isdistinguished when the resistance value is 200 Ω.

[0260] At the oscillator apparatus 202 which has recognized which typethe vibrator unit is by such discrimination means as this, at least oneof the frequency, voltage, and current is controlled so that the powersupplied to the recognized vibrator unit will be suitable.

[0261] In the oscillator apparatus 202, furthermore, the number of timesthat vibrator unit was used, the frequency when used, the voltage whenused, and the current used, etc., are stored in memory as data. Then,based on those stored data, the usage level of the vibrator unit iscomputed. Those usage level data can be displayed on a display device263 provided in the oscillator apparatus 202, but provision is made sothat, when the usable life of the vibrator unit recognized is nearlyelapsed, that fact is notified ahead of time by a warning display oraudible alarm or the like.

[0262] Based on such an eighth embodiment aspect as this, provision ismade so that the cable 203 is used in common for a plurality of sets ofouter cannulas 205 and hand pieces 206 wherein compatible members arecombined, wherefore the cable 203 connected as is to the oscillatorapparatus 202 can be used, and a plurality of cables 203 is not needed.

[0263] Furthermore, because the cable 203 connected as is to theoscillator apparatus 202 can be used commonly with a plurality ofultrasonic operation apparatuses 201, not only is the need to providemultiple cables for each of the multiple ultrasonic operationapparatuses 201 eliminated, but the task of connecting the hand piece206 and the cable 203 can be done immediately on the user's end, withouthaving to ask an assistant to connect the oscillator apparatus 202 andthe cable 203, which makes handling easier and facilitates better workefficiency.

[0264] Also, because the hand piece 206 and the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215 are coupled integrally and fixedly, there is noneed to assemble these every time the ultrasonic operation apparatus 201is used, nor will mistakes in assembly be made. Thus it becomes possibleto use the apparatus quickly and work efficiency is improved.Furthermore, because of the integral structure wherewith there is nodanger of screwing pieces together too tightly or not tightly enough, anefficient ultrasonic operation apparatus 201 is realized that exhibitsgood ultrasonic transmission performance, stable operating conditions,and little heat generation.

[0265] Also, because the outer cannula 205 and the hand piece 206 thatis detachably mounted to that outer cannula 205 can be axially rotatedrelatively to each other, the orientation of the ultrasonic vibrationtransmission member 215 and the operating member 214 can be changed tofacilitate operating ease without changing the gripping condition.

[0266] Moreover, because the resistor element 261 is incorporated asidentification means in the hand piece 206, it becomes possible toaccurately ascertain and monitor the usage level and remaining life ofthe ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215 that comprises theoperating member 214. Because the durability performance of theultrasonic vibration transmission member 215 is poorer than that of thehand piece 206, so that the ultrasonic vibration transmission member 215will wear out earlier, such a configuration as this is extremelyeffective.

[0267] In FIG. 22 to 24B is diagrammed a ninth embodiment aspect of thepresent invention. FIG. 22 is a side elevation that shows how a cableconnector is connected to a hand piece in an ultrasonic operationsystem, FIG. 23 is a side elevation that represents, partially incross-section, a connection structure for a hand piece and a cableconnector in the ultrasonic operation system, in its disassembledcondition, FIG. 24A is an end surface view that represents the structureof an electrical connecting unit for a hand piece in the ultrasonicoperation system, and FIG. 24B is an end surface view that representsthe structure of a cable connector in the ultrasonic operation system.

[0268] In this ninth embodiment aspect, portions that are the same as inthe eighth embodiment aspect are indicated by the same symbols and notfurther described here. Mainly the points of difference only aredescribed.

[0269] In the eighth embodiment aspect described in the foregoing,provision was made so that the connector 257 of the common cable 203could be connected to the electrical connection unit 258 of the handpiece 206 of the ultrasonic operation apparatus 201. In this ninthembodiment aspect, however, provision is further made so that it ispossible to connect the connector 257 of the cable 203 to the electricalconnection unit 258 of the hand piece 206 so that it can be turned aboutthe axis of the cable 203.

[0270] The electrical connection unit 258 of the hand piece 206diagrammed in FIG. 23 is formed so that the outer circumference exhibitsa cylindrical surface shape. By mounting the connector 257 of the cable203 to that outer circumference so that it is fit over it, as diagrammedin FIG. 22, the hand piece 206 and the cable 203 are coupled in aturnable condition.

[0271] That is, the connector 257 has a cylindrical connection member291 formed which fits over the outer circumference of the electricalconnection unit 258, and that cylindrical connection member 291 isprovided with an inner circumferential shape that makes it possible tofit tightly onto the outer circumference of the electrical connectionunit 258 such that it (i.e. the cylindrical connection member 291) canturn.

[0272] At the extreme end of this electrical connection unit 258 isformed a positioning collar 292 against which the leading end of thecylindrical connection member 291 abuts when the cylindrical connectionmember 291 is mated and connected.

[0273] Moreover, slightly on the inside of the circumferential edge inthe leading end surface of the electrical connection unit 258, aring-shaped inner groove 293 is formed that extends all the way aroundthe circumference thereof, and, on the wall surface on the outercircumferential side of that inner groove 293, a ring-shaped latchingprojection 294 is formed that extends all the way around thecircumference.

[0274] In the cylindrical connection member 291, meanwhile, are providedpawls 295 for latching to the latching projection 294.

[0275] These pawls 295 are configured so that they have a ring member296 secured to the outer circumference of the leading end of thecylindrical connection member 291, and flexible pieces 297 extended fromthat ring member 296 toward the back. These flexible pieces 297, afterbeing extended toward the back, are first bent inward, in the innerradial direction, and then bent forward, and at the extreme ends thereofare formed latching projections 298 for latching the latching projection294. In these flexible pieces 297, the intermediate portions thereofextending toward the back are formed as bulging portions 300 that stickout to the outside of the cylindrical connection member 291 such asdiagrammed in FIG. 22 and 23, in a configuration wherein these bulgingportions 300 can be pressed in with the fingers from the outside of thecylindrical connection member 291.

[0276] The pawls 295 such as these ordinarily press in toward the insideof the cylindrical connection member 291 through cutouts 299 formed inthe cylindrical connection member 291.

[0277] First, to connect the hand piece 206 and the connector 257, thefollowing procedure is performed.

[0278] When the cylindrical connection member 291 of the connector 257is plugged into the electrical connection unit 258 of the hand piece 206so that it mates, the latching projections 298 of the pawls 295 biteinto the inner groove 293, and ride up over the latching projection 294,whereupon a mutual latching condition like that indicated by thedouble-dotted line in FIG. 23 is realized. Thus the connector 257 islatched and connected to the electrical connection unit 258 of the handpiece 206, and a condition is attained wherein the hand piece 206 andthe connector 257 are connected such that they can freely turn, abouttheir axes, relative to each other.

[0279] Next, to remove the hand piece 206 from the connector 257, thefollowing procedure is performed.

[0280] The bulging portions 300 of the flexible pieces 297 are pushed inby the fingers from the outside of the cylindrical connection member291, and thereby the latching projections 298 of the pawls 295 arereleased from the latching projection 294. By pulling out the connector257, in this condition, that connector 257 can be removed from the handpiece 206.

[0281] Next, the electrically connecting structure of the hand piece 206and the connector 257 is described with reference to FIG. 24A and 24B.

[0282] In the end surface of the electrical connection unit 258 of thehand piece 206, as diagrammed in FIG. 24A, are provided a firstelectrode 301 formed as a point positioned at the center axis, a secondelectrode 302 formed in a ring shape about the outer circumference ofthe first electrode 301, a third electrode 303 formed in a ring shapeabout the outer circumference of the second electrode 302, and a fourthelectrode 304 formed in a ring shape about the outer circumference ofthe third electrode 303, the last three mentioned whereof being thusformed concentrically about the center axis.

[0283] In the end surface of the connector 257, meanwhile, are deployeda first electrode 306, a second electrode 307, a third electrode 308,and a fourth electrode 309, each being in a contact pin shape, atpositions corresponding respectively to the first electrode 301, secondelectrode 302, third electrode 303, and fourth electrode 304.

[0284] In such a configuration as this, when the connector 257 ismounted to the electrical connection unit 258 of the hand piece 206, thefirst, second, third, and fourth electrodes 306, 307, 308, and 309 onthe connector 257 side individually contact, and are electricallyconnected to, the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes 301, 302,303, and 304 on the hand piece 206 side, respectively. This condition ofbeing electrically connected is maintained even when the connector 257and hand piece 206 are turned relatively to each other as describedearlier.

[0285] Provision is made so that, in such a connected condition as this,the combination of the first electrodes 301 and 306 and the combinationof the second electrodes 302 and 307 are used for supplying drive powerto the ultrasonic vibrator 212, while the combination of the thirdelectrodes 303 and 308 and the combination of the fourth electrodes 304and 309 are used for transmitting signals of the resistor element 261that constitutes discrimination means.

[0286] Based on such a ninth embodiment aspect as this, in addition toexhibiting roughly the same benefits as the eighth embodiment aspectdescribed earlier, because the hand piece 206 can turn freely withrespect to the connector 257 of the cord 3, the cord 3 can be preventedfrom twisting when the hand piece 206 is being used, thus eliminatingthat problem.

[0287] Also, because the cord 3 will not become twisted even when thehand piece 206 is manipulated so as to turn, the hand piece 206 can belightly manipulated so as to turn.

[0288] Furthermore, because the hand piece 206 can freely turn relativeto the outer cannula 205, the hand piece 206 can be made to assumevarious forms without having to be forced, and the oprerability of thehand piece 206 are enhanced.

[0289] In this invention, it is apparent that various modifications in awide range can be made on this basis of this invention without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. This invention is notrestricted by any specific embodiment except being limited by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasonic operation system comprising: adrive signal generator unit comprising a drive signal oscillator circuitfor generating drive signals for driving an ultrasonic vibrator; and afirst connector receptacle for outputting drive signals generated by thedrive signal oscillator circuit; a transmission cable comprising firstconnector means that are for transmitting the drive signals and thatdetachably connect to the first connector receptacle; and secondconnector means for outputting transmitted drive signals; a first handpiece comprising a second connector receptacle that detachably connectsto the second connector means; a first ultrasonic vibrator that vibratesultrasonically in response to drive signals input from the secondconnector receptacle; and a first probe for transmitting ultrasonicvibrations generated by the first ultrasonic vibrator to a subject body;and a second hand piece comprising a third connector receptacle thatdetachably connects to the second connector means; a second ultrasonicvibrator that vibrates ultrasonically in response to drive signals inputfrom the third connector receptacle; and a second probe, of a shapedifferent from that of the first probe, for transmitting ultrasonicvibrations generated by the second ultrasonic vibrator to the subjectbody.
 2. The ultrasonic operation system according to claim 1, whereinthe first connector receptacle has a first drive signal output terminalfor outputting the drive signals; the first connector means have a firstdrive signal input terminal capable of being detachably connected to thefirst drive signal output terminal; the transmission cable hasincorporated therein a drive signal transmission line one end whereof isconnected to the first drive signal input terminal; the second connectormeans has a second drive signal output terminal connected to other endof the drive signal transmission cable; and the second connectorreceptacle has a second drive signal input terminal capable of beingdetachably connected to the second drive signal output terminal.
 3. Theultrasonic operation system according to claim 1, wherein the first handpiece is comprised of first transducer means having the second connectorreceptacle and the first ultrasonic vibrator, and first ultrasonictreatment means that can be freely attached to and detached from thefirst transducer means and have the first probe; and the second handpiece is constituted integrally by the second ultrasonic vibrator andthe first probe.
 4. The ultrasonic operation system according to claim3, further comprising a third hand piece that integrally comprises: atransmission cable that is for transmitting the drive signals and thatcomprises third connector means that detachably connect to the firstconnector receptacle; a third ultrasonic vibrator that vibratesultrasonically in response to drive signals input from the transmissioncable; and a third probe for transmitting ultrasonic vibrationsgenerated by the third ultrasonic vibrator to the subject body.
 5. Theultrasonic operation system according to claim 1, further comprisinghand switch means used for effecting manipulation relating to theultrasonic operation system and generating control signals whenmanipulated, which comprises a main switch unit that can be freelyattached to and detached from at least one of the first hand piece andthe second hand piece, and a control signal output unit for outputtingcontrol signals generated by the main switch unit.
 6. The ultrasonicoperation system according to claim 5, wherein said manipulationrelating to the ultrasonic operation system is for switching driveenergy output of An ultrasonic vibrator; the control signals areswitching signals; and the drive signal generator unit also comprisescontrol means for controlling drive signals generated by the drivesignal oscillator circuit, according to the switching signals.
 7. Theultrasonic operation system according to claim 5, wherein the controlsignal output unit is an output plug.
 8. The ultrasonic operation systemaccording to claim 7, wherein the transmission cable has incorporatedtherein a drive signal transmission line for transmitting the drivesignals and a control signal transmission line for transmitting thecontrol signals, and also has a hand switch input plug, connected to thecontrol signal transmission line, on the side where the first connectormeans are provided, for detachably connecting the output plug.
 9. Theultrasonic operation system according to claim 8, wherein the handswitch input plug is provided at end of a cable that branches off fromthe transmission cable.
 10. The ultrasonic operation system according toclaim 8, wherein the hand switch input plug is provided in the firstconnector means.
 11. The ultrasonic operation system according to claim10, wherein the hand switch input plug is provided in the firstconnector means such that it is rotatable.
 12. The ultrasonic operationsystem according to claim 7, wherein the hand switch means furthercomprise a hand switch cable one end of which is connected to the mainswitch unit and other end of which is connected to the output plug, inorder to transmit control signals generated by the main switch unit tothe output plug.
 13. The ultrasonic operation system according to claim5, wherein the control signal output unit comprises a fourth connectorreceptacle that freely attaches to and detaches from second connectormeans of said transmission cable, and fourth connector means that can befreely attached to and detached from at least one of second connectorreceptacle of the first hand piece and third connector receptacle of thesecond hand piece; and is a relay adapter capable of being detachablyinterposed between the transmission cable and at least one of the firsthand piece and the second hand piece.
 14. The ultrasonic operationsystem according to claim 1, wherein the first probe and the secondprobe have, respectively, ultrasonic transmission units for transmittingultrasonic vibrations generated by the first ultrasonic vibrator andsecond ultrasonic vibrator to the subject body; and at least one ofthese ultrasonic transmission units is fixedly coupled to correspondingfirst ultrasonic vibrator or second ultrasonic vibrator.
 15. Theultrasonic operation system according to claim 14, wherein the firstprobe and the second probe have, respectively, horns for increasingamplification of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the first ultrasonicvibrator and the second ultrasonic vibrator; and the ultrasonictransmission units are formed as same components as those horns.
 16. Theultrasonic operation system according to claim 14, wherein an operatingmember is provided at leading end of said ultrasonic transmission units,and a treatment is performed on the subject body by the operating membervibrating ultrasonically.
 17. The ultrasonic operation system accordingto claim 1, wherein the first hand piece and the second hand piece,respectively, comprise identification means for identifying themselves;and the drive signal generator means also have identifying means forrecognizing the identification means and identifying particular handpiece connected.
 18. The ultrasonic operation system according to claim17, wherein the identification means output identification signals tothe identifying means; and the transmission cable has incorporatedtherein a drive signal transmission line for transmitting the drivesignals and an identification signal transmission line for transmittingthe identification signals.
 19. The ultrasonic operation systemaccording to claim 17, wherein the drive signal generator means furthercomprise control means for controlling drive signals generated from thedrive signal oscillator circuit, according to identification results bythe identifying means.
 20. The ultrasonic operation system according toclaim 17, wherein the drive signal generator means further compriseinformation display means for visually displaying identification resultsby the identifying means.